Video: Swedish goalkeeper makes overhead kick save to deny Messi

Argentina ran out 3-2 winners in last night's international friendly with Sweden, thanks to goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero in a blistering first 30 minutes at the Friends Arena in Stockholm.

With barely two minutes on the clock, the Real Madrid forward put Alejandro Sabella's side ahead, receiving the ball from club team-mate Angel di Maria before blasting home, though his shot took a significant deflection off Sweden defender Mikael Lustig.

The hosts drew level 15 minutes later, when Jonas Olsson's powerful header at the back post from a looping corner found its way past Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal.

That equaliser sparked the South American's into life, with Di Maria at his brilliant best again when he ran at the Sweden defence and found Aguero, who delicately chipped over Andreas Isaksson with his left boot to restore the advantage.

Five minutes later, Lionel Messi - who had been operating in a deep-lying attacking role - launched a stinging shot from outside the area, which could only be parried by Isaksson, straight into the path of Higuain, who doubled Argentina's lead with the easiest of finishes.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was withdrawn at the interval after a frustrating first-half display, that saw the Swedish striker reduced to a mere spectator, so dominant were the Albiceleste.

Argentina remained on top throughout the second-half, with Di Maria and Aguero both missing chances, with Alexander Kacaniklic going closest for Erik Hamren's side.

Messi was also denied by a stunning piece of improvisation from Isaksson, when his acrobatic goal-line clearance denied the Barcelona star a goal.

With relatively little for the home fans to cheer about, the goalkeeper's Zlatan-esque connection provided some reason for celebration, before Rasmus Elm slammed home a brilliant free-kick in stoppage time to secure a scoreline that ultimately flattered Sweden, who were played off the park by their opponents.

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.